First impressions matter.
We all want to pretend that we don’t judge a book by its cover, but that’s bologna. We do judge.
When it comes to your blog/website/shop, the first thing readers and shoppers notice is the appearance, darling.
When someone clicks on your latest post, the picture{s} gives her an indication of whether or not she will like it which usually determines whether or not she’ll read it.
Let’s say you write a post about the chocolate chunk cookie recipe that has been passed down in your family for three generations. You include the recipe and some photos of the mouth-watering cookies, except the photos don’t do them justice. They’re not awful. It’s not like your thumb is covering half the photo, but they aren’t like the food photos you drool over on Pinterest.
Or, let’s pretend that your best friend spends the afternoon taking photos of you for your website. You want to include some on your about page, sidebar, and pick one to use on social media sites. You upload the pictures to your computer. The fading sunlight in the background makes your hair shine. You adore the yellow polkadot dress you’re wearing. Your makeup has never looked better. But, they still aren’t magazine-worthy. Something is missing. You’d love to get the vintage feel that your favorite blogger always seems to nail.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is going to show you exactly how I take decent photos and add a bit of magic to them. And, the best part is that it’s EASY–more importantly, it’s FUN.
Paint the Moon is the site I’ve bought all of my actions from.
Here are the before and after shots:
Your timing on this is so funny, I was just reading “Photoshop for Dummies” today (I don’t think I’m getting any closer to understanding, but this definitely made me want to learn). As soon as I have an inkling of what I am doing I want to check out some of those actions!
Yay!!! Have you checked out lynda.com? I learned to use Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign through that site.
Great tips! l’ve heard of Paint the Moon, but never shopped on their site. I was just over there and LOVE it. Thanks so much.
Isn’t it amazing? Love her photos.
I have more than 15+ yrs of photoshop experience. I love PS & actions, but it’s very expensive & may be overkill for some peoples needs. Photoshop Elements is a great, cost-effective alternative to the full version of photoshop.
Yes, so true! Photoshop Elements can be a great alternative and Paint the Moon has actions for Elements. 🙂
I don’t think before photos look that bad. Actually I don’t think they need any corrections at all – they’re stunning.
I have to agree with this. On your first two examples, I actually prefer your before pictures because they have greater clarity.
It’s completely a personal preference like I said. I like a soft, vintage, polaroid-type photo, especially for things like roses. But, that’s what I like! Plus, I’ve gotten tons of emails on what actions I use or how I edit because others wanted to get the same “look” but it’s not for everyone. 🙂
Thanks Kristina! Whatever editing you do with photos, you have to start with a good photo. Sometimes, photos are way too dark or light and nothing will help. 🙂
I love Paint the Moon and have been eyeing the actions for a year now. Saving up for it! You made it look so easy!!!
It is easy! You get very simple instructions to go along with the actions. They are easy to download and start using–not much to it! 🙂
Hi April!
Probably there’s something wrong with me, but I honestly prefer all the “before” pictures! :/
There’s nothing wrong with you! It’s your preference! 🙂
Well, I took a closer look and maybe not all… but the grass is so much greener on the first one! 🙂
Your posts always look great, one must admit that! 🙂
Thanks Raquel! Some pictures I barely change…usually just adjusting the light a tad. But, there are some that I like to make more vintage-looking like the first one.